Success Story: ‘I Love Driving’

Westside Works Leads Richard Griffin to Ready Mix Driving Career

Richard Griffin (left) and driving instructor Donnie Webb

Many in construction will tell you the biggest constraint they face today is workforce. Skilled employees are at a premium in Georgia, particularly the Atlanta market, as the industry continues to recover from the recession. This is especially true for those who rely on commercial drivers, such as the ready mixed concrete industry.

Richard Griffin is a graduate of the first class. He first heard of CEFGA’s Construction Ready at Westside Works through a church friend. He already had a background in residential construction, but was looking to move forward in his career. Griffin went through the program’s initial screening process and started the general construction course. After about two weeks of classes, Westside Works announced the CDL Ready Program. This was welcome news to Griffin, who says, “I love driving. That’s what I do.”

Griffin says Westside Works did a fantastic job of instilling job site confidence and helping with any problems that occurred, from scheduling conflicts to answering questions. The program prepared him for the interview process and ensured he would be safe and professional in the workplace.

Griffin started as a driver at Argos on December 19, 2015. He is glad to be working there and enjoys the atmosphere and his fellow drivers. He says that while he is still a rookie, “I get a lot of support from the group anytime I need advice or instructions.”

Daly’s Truck Driving School also played a huge part in Griffin’s success. He finished the training feeling extremely well-prepared and confident for the written and driving exams. His driver instructor at Argos, Donnie Webb, says, “When I took him on road tests, I was very pleased with his driving ability. If all my drivers came out of this program, it would make it a lot easier because they already have the fundamentals down. Daly’s turns out good drivers.”

Webb and Winette Sharpe, Argos’ Employment Center Manager, encourage the industry to consider CDL Ready trainees to combat the industry-wide problem of driver shortage. “This program really gives people a second chance,” Sharpe says. “I always want to help somebody help themselves. People stay when they know people care, and retention is important.”